Student internships at the History Center are a great way to gain hands-on experience in the fields of history or museum studies.  Internships are open to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. Most internships are unpaid; however, check with your institution about course credit or service hours.  

Projects are available in the areas of:

  • exhibit design

  • collections management

    • textiles

    • blueprints

    • records & archives

    • paintings & artworks

  • digital history

  • research

  • education

Bookstore Assistant-The History Center seeks volunteers to staff our bookstore on Tuesday through Saturday mornings.  The primary responsibility of the volunteer is to greet visitors to the gallery and bookstore, check out customers, and answer the phone. Basic computer/ smart phone skills necessary.  Volunteer for one day a week or more! 

Photo Assistant- The History Center is home to over 30,000 images and we need help identifying many of our photos. Join us as a photo detective and help us solve our history mysteries.  Those with a knowledge of the local area are strongly encouraged to inquire! Basic computer skills preferred, but not required.

Other Opportunities-Custodial, administrative, and membership support.  Contact the History Center at 315-735-3642 for more information.

Dennis Dewey- 2021-22-23 Volunteer of the Year

Internships

Volunteers are essential to the Oneida County History Center. They staff the bookstore and research library assisting with a wide range of activities from answering phones to digitizing collections.  All ages and backgrounds are encouraged to inquire. If you love history and are willing to share your time, then we'll find an opportunity to match your interests and skill set. Complete the volunteer application using the icon below and check out our current opportunities.
Digital Collections Assistant Job Description
Oneida County History Center
Date posted: February 10, 2023

​Job Outline: Oneida County History Center (OCHC) seeks a qualified candidate to serve as a Digital Collections Assistant to carry out digitization and metadata creation to participate in the Consider the Source Diversity and Collaborative Knowledge Program, a project of the NYS Archives Partnership Trust and funded by a grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services. This internship is 200 hours and the project deadline is May 15, 2023. Preference will be given to qualified candidates who are current college students or recent graduates.

To apply: Complete the online application (Google Form), and submit your resume/cv and a one-page cover letter addressing your qualifications and interest to Rebecca McLain at rmclain@oneidacountyhistory.org before March 6, 2023. 

​Volunteer Opportunities

Oneida County History Center named Dennis Dewey Volunteer of the Year during its annual meeting held on December 15, 2022. He was chosen for his creativity and dedication to the History Center by his co-volunteers, staff, and board of directors. Volunteers are essential to the daily operation and long-term care of the organization and are an invaluable asset to the community.
 
Dennis Dewey has been a History Center volunteer for only two years but has already made a tremendous impact bringing new skills and ideas to the organization. In 2022 he assisted at outreach tables, led a Utica Shoe District walking tour, recorded and edited countless hours of History Center public programs that are available on the History Center YouTube channel, established an outreach program at Preswick Glen, and created and produced a documentary about the 2021 Westernville Tornado. Dennis’s work has helped the History Center to expand its reach and share Oneida County history with new audiences.

VOLUNTEERS & INTERNSHIPS

Closed Monday, May 29, 2023

Closed Monday, May 29, 2023

Hours of Operation:

Monday-Friday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Research by Appointment 

Dennis volunteers because he has always been a history buff, and retirement affords him the time. He enjoys learning about local history, meeting people, and creative activities. He says, “history is about telling stories, and stories engage.” Formerly a professional storyteller, Dennis found the History Center a good fit. “It’s how we understand the past and share our experiences.”

Aside from his obvious enjoyment of history, Dennis enjoys kayaking, music (listening, singing, and composing), reading, playing with his grandsons, and cooking. He has also volunteered for Olmsted City, Celeste Friend’s campaigns, and the United Way tax preparation program for low-income households.

Upcoming projects for Dennis at the History Center include a continuation of his outreach and videography efforts, a dive into agricultural history in collaboration with local historian Janice Reilly, and a new documentary about famous 19th-century English author Charles Dickens and his unexpected visit to Utica in March 1868.

 The History Center staff, volunteers, and board of directors would like to thank and recognize Dennis Dewey for his dedicated service to the History Center and the community. He is one of the more than two dozen volunteers who help our local history thrive. We are grateful for enduring, enthusiastic volunteers and community members like Dennis.

Paid internship opportunity!

Hours of Operation:

Monday-Friday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Research by Appointment